Why get married in Tucson

Known as the “Old Pueblo” Tucson, Arizona is known for its rich cultural history, beautiful natural scenery,  stunning desert landscapes, hiking, restaurants, weather, and world-renowned resorts and spas. It is no surprise that Tucson is quickly becoming a top location for couples seeking the perfect destination wedding location. For couples looking to get married in Tucson, I have created this list of the Best Tucson, Wedding Venues to help you get started planning your dream wedding.

Types of Tucson Wedding Venues

On average Tucson has 286 sunny days per year. With so much sunny weather, it isn’t surprising that Tucson is known for its outdoor wedding venues. In fact, most Tucson wedding venues offer at least one outdoor event option. Something to remember is that if you are getting married in the summer, you will probably experience a monsoon. These rain showers start typically in the afternoon. While monsoons last briefly, the rain and winds can be intense. I recommend that you look at wedding venues that have an indoor option as well if you are getting married during this time of year.

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Finding Your Tucson Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue will always hold a special place in your heart because it is the place where your new life as a married couple begins. You need to find a place that compliments the vision of your wedding, can host the number of guests you anticipate celebrating with you both, and has options available if the weather requires moving your event indoors.

Below are some tips to help you find your dream wedding venue.

Determine The Feel Of Your Wedding

To help get you started, I recommend determining what you want the look and feel of your wedding to be. This is where that Pinterest board comes in handy. Start to look for themes in the images you have saved. Are you drawn to simple and elegant weddings, boho weddings, ballroom weddings, intimate weddings, or outdoor weddings? Once you determine what you want the look and feel of your wedding to be, you can start to narrow down your wedding venue options because you will only look at venues that fit the vision that you have for your wedding.

The Location

When it comes to finding your wedding venue location, location is key! Without a doubt, something important will be left at home or at the hotel, and you will want the wedding venue you choose to be relatively close to where you are staying. Recently, the marriage license was left at the groom’s house on the wedding day, and it was a huge sigh of relief only to have a 10-minute drive back to the house to pick it up versus an hour!

With that heart-racing example, location is a factor to consider when choosing your wedding venue. How far are you and your guests willing to travel to the venue? Do you want your wedding to be in a certain area of Tucson? If so, you will want to focus on venues in that particular area. Another big consideration is if you are planning to have parts of the wedding day at different locations. If you are planning to get married at a church, but the venue is an hour from the church, this makes things a bit tricky. If possible, it is best to have your ceremony and reception at the same location. Also, if your dream venue is quite far from your home, perhaps renting out an Airbnb or hotel nearby for guests is something to consider. 

How Many Guests Can The Venue Accommodate

A big consideration when choosing your wedding venue is the venue’s capacity. How many people you plan to invite to your big day will directly determine the venue that you will need. This doesn’t mean you have to have the final guest list figured out now, but you do want to have a general idea before you start looking at wedding venues.

If you are planning to have a more intimate wedding with a handful of close family and friends, it is important to remember that some venues have a minimum guest list requirement. This also holds true if you are wanting to celebrate with 200 or more guests. Some venues simply do not have the capacity to accommodate a larger guest list. To summarize, I recommend that you keep your guest list in mind when narrowing down your venue.

What is Included in the Venue Rental

As you begin looking at venues, you will quickly discover that some venues are all-inclusive, meaning they provide most, if not all services. Other venues will rent the space, but you are responsible for bringing in your own furniture rentals, and decor. However, I have found that most venues are somewhere in the middle, providing you with tables, chairs, linens, and even catering options.

It is important to understand what is and is not included before you book your venue. I will note, that while an all-inclusive package may seem appealing, you will be limited to what you can choose. If you have your heart set on a particular vendor, this can be disappointing. You definitely want to feel like you get to have the wedding you’ve dreamed of and not like you have to compromise.

Tour The Wedding Venue

I can’t emphasize this enough- once you find a handful of venues you are interested in, schedule a tour of the venues. Images posted on the venue’s website are a great starting point, but you want to get a sense of how the venue feels in person. It is important to bring your list of questions to ask the venue as well with you to your appointment. After the tour, you will get a better sense of if the venue is the right fit for you both.

Pricing

If you haven’t had a close friend or family member recently get married, you may not know what the average cost is for a venue. Many couples go in with a number that they pulled from a Bride’s magazine article and forget that depending on your area, prices vary widely. I suggest that couples get a general idea of what venues in their area cost before setting a hard budget. In general, a good rule of thumb is that the venue and catering will take up about half of your budget. The good news is that Tucson tends to have more affordable pricing when it comes to weddings. Average venue costs are between $3,000-$12,000. Keep reading to see my list of the Best Wedding Venues in Tucson to help you get started.

List of the Best Tucson Wedding Venues

Now that you have a plan for finding your wedding venue, let’s explore some of my favorite Tucson wedding venues..

The Ritz-Carlton At Dove Mountain

Nestled against the Tortolita Mountains in Tucson, the Ritz-Carlton offers a wedding experience of comfortable luxury. With stunning desert landscapes, weddings at the Ritz-Carlton can be held outdoors or in one of their gorgeous ballrooms. This wedding venue truly is an oasis in the desert, and it is no wonder it is a favorite location for many couples!

Address: 15000 North Secret Springs Drive Marana, AZ 85685

Type of wedding venue: Country Club

Features: Stunning desert backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception, exquisite ballrooms, 5-star hotel, Spa, Three Swimming Pools, Bar, Multiple Restaurants, Golf Course, Fitness Center

The Highlands At Dove Mountain

The Highlands at Dove Mountain has an incredible team that is dedicated to creating an amazing wedding experience for each of its couples. This wedding venue offers a grassy outdoor ceremony site with picturesque city views. Couples can choose to hold their reception outdoors or inside in an elegant ballroom adorned with hanging crystal chandeliers.

Address: 4949 W Heritage Club Blvd, Marana, AZ 85658

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor event spaces and Indoor Ballroom

Features: Spectacular views of the Catalina, Tucson, and Tortolita mountains. City views at night.

Gallery at Dove Mountain

The Gallery at Dove Mountain has a modern, elegant water feature as the backdrop of its outdoor ceremony site. Surrounded by towering saguaros and a beautiful desert, this wedding venue captures modern chic perfectly!

Address: 14000 North Dove Mountain Blvd

Type of wedding venue: Country Club

Features: Indoor and outdoor spaces available, mountain views, catering

The Hilton El Conquistador

The El Conquistador Resort is located up against the Pusch Ridge and Santa Catalina Mountains. The Hilton El Conquistador provides several options to their couples. There are three outdoor ceremony locations at the venue to choose from. Sunset Point is located in a private, lush, grassy area surrounded by mountain and city views. An elegant staircase and waterfall surround the wedding gazebo. Another venue location at El Conquistador is The Last Territory. It provides a rustic, Southwest flair for couples who are looking for an Old West vibe. The El Conquistador also provides several choices for celebrating in one of their four ballrooms as well.

Address: 10000 N Oracle Rd Tucson Arizona 85704

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Mountain views, multiple indoor and outdoor event locations, spa, pool, catering, restaurants, and hotel rooms for guests

The Buttes at Reflections

The Buttes at Reflections is an all-inclusive wedding venue in Northwest Tucson. This venue is set up against the Pusch Ridge Mountains which makes for stunning views. Couples exchange their vows in front of a quaint, white gazebo while the melodic sounds of the water fountain below provide a soft background sound.

Address: 9800 N Oracle Road Tucson, Arizona 85704

Type of wedding venue: Event Center

Features: Mountain views, gazebo, grassy lawn, indoor and outdoor spaces available, and catering

Westward look

The Westward Look is located at the base of the Catalina Foothills. A dreamy desert landscape surrounds this resort. Westward look offers indoor and outdoor spaces for couples to choose from. There are several ballrooms to host your reception along with the Vigas Patio and Chef’s Garden Lawn. This venue blends rich history and modern convenience perfectly.

Address: 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

Omni Tucson National Resort

The Omni Tucson National Resort is an ideal wedding venue for couples looking for both indoor and outdoor wedding venue options. The Papago Ballroom and Terrace offer large windows with views of the Catalina Mountains in the distance. The Terrace is romantic and lovely. Framed by towering columns and arches it makes for a stunning outdoor reception area.

The resort also offers the Palm Court where your outdoor celebration is surrounded by towering palm trees and bright and bold florals. The wedding ceremony is held on the Norville Lawn where couples say their “I do’s” on this semi-private lush lawn with views of the resort’s golf course and Santa Catalina Mountains.

Address: 2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

JW Marriott Starr Pass

Starr Pass is a beautiful resort situated on 50 acres of land, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. The resort offers several indoor and outdoor venues for weddings of all sizes and styles, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Options for event locations include a ballroom, a rooftop terrace, a garden, and a lawn with panoramic views of the surrounding Sonoran desert.

Address: 3800 W Starr Pass Blvd Tucson, Arizona 85745

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

Saguaro Buttes

Saguaro Buttes wedding venue is located on the East side of Tucson at the foothills of the Rincon mountains. The venue provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, desert landscape, and city lights of Tucson. 

Address: 5825 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85747

Type of wedding venue: Event Center

Features: Indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, mountain views, lake, and gazebo

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa

Tubac Golf Resort and Spa is located just under 50 miles from Tucson. The resort is on over 500 acres of land in the high Sonoran desert, providing a picturesque backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception. The wedding chapel is the most well-known wedding location. The 17th-century mission-style chapel features magnificent mesquite doors and a grand entryway. 

Address: 65 Avenida de Otero, Tubac, AZ 85646

Type of wedding venue: Resort

Features: Spa, Pool, Guest Guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, catering, restaurants, and golf course.

Agua Linda Farms

Agua Linda Farm is a privately owned, 63-acre farm about 45 miles from Tucson. The farm has a rich history and is an oasis in the desert. Quaint adobe hacienda with red tile roof, giant mesquite trees, gorgeous mountain views, and green gardens full of hollyhocks and roses in the Spring make this venue the perfect location for couples seeking out a lush, garden feel for their wedding venue.   

Address: 2643 I-19 Frontage Rd, Amado, AZ 85645

Type of wedding venue: Private Estate

Features: Privacy, Mountain Views, and Beautiful outdoor setting. To read more about Agua Linda Farms, check out this blog post about this venue.

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch

Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch is located in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. The resort boasts authentic Southwestern-style decor and Old World charm. Many couples choose to get married in the main courtyard where a beautiful fountain and lush green vines cover the brick walls. The main entrance to the resort has manicured desert vignettes that make a beautiful backdrop for photos. 

Skyline Country Club

Skyline Country Club has incredible views of the mountains and city lights. There is a large terrace that steps down to the outdoor ceremony site which is held on a lush green lawn. This venue has a large indoor ballroom that has floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the spectacular views. There are several photography locations at this venue including the golf course and iron bridge.

Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch has a rich history. Established in 1868, the ranch is located on the East side of Tucson, nestled among the Rincon mountains. Couples can choose from several indoor and outdoor areas to hold their wedding event, including the newest event venue, The Barn. Incredible mountain and desert views can be found at Tanque Verde Ranch. Of note, is that there are several photo locations around the property, a favorite being at the lake. 

Rancho Robles

Rancho Robles is a wedding venue located about 30 miles North of Tucson, in Oracle. Majestic oak, juniper, cypress, and olive trees surround the venue. Since Rancho Robles is at a higher elevation, temperatures are typically 12 degrees cooler than in Tucson during the summer. This venue offers two large lush lawns that can accommodate up to 300 guests and the iconic hacienda building is gorgeous for photos.

Address: 1170 N. Rancho Robles Rd, Oracle, Arizona 85623

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor/Ranch

Features: Lush Lawns, rooms on site for guests to stay at, indoor and outdoor event spaces available

La Mariposa Resort

La Mariposa Resort is located on the East side of Tucson in the Tanque Verde Valley. This wedding venue has a large lawn, pond, views of the Catalina and Rincon mountains, and towering mesquite and cottonwood trees.

Additionally, the venue offers options for both outdoor and indoor receptions, with the ceremony usually being held outdoors in front of the gazebo. To read more about La Mariposa, check out this blog post by clicking here.

Address: 1501 N Houghton Rd. Tucson, AZ 85749

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor with Indoor Space available

Features: Mountain Views, Garden and Lawns, Fountain, Duck Pond, Large Bridal Suite, Catering, Banquet Room

The Stillwell House

The Stillwell house is a historic home that has been converted into a wedding venue. The venue features a lovely garden courtyard and a charming historic home. Nestled in downtown Tucson, this elegant venue has both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Address: 134 South 5th Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701

Type of wedding venue: Outdoor/Historic

Features: On-site wedding coordinator, catering, historic building, and garden courtyard, nestled in downtown Tucson

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Looking for the perfect outdoor wedding venue in Tucson?

I have a complete guide of the best outdoor Tucson wedding venues in this post HERE.  

Tucson Wedding Photographer

Yay! Now that you have started the wedding planning process by finding your Tucson wedding venue, it’s time to start looking for a photographer. As a Tucson wedding Photographer, I am here to help you plan your dream wedding day. I grew up in Tucson and love the beauty and magic of the desert that surrounds us. If you are ready to start planning your Tucson Wedding, then I would love to help you plan, enjoy, and remember the best day ever! You can start by reaching out HERE